“The latest round of talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe could potentially mark a very important first meaningful step towards some form of resolution to the Kuril Islands (Northern Territories) dispute."

"...from Prime Minister Abe Shinzo's point of view this will represent an opportunity for him and his cabinet to appeal in every way possible to the new US administration that they are right behind them in terms of politics, economics and security."